Sintra, located west of Lisbon, is a magical and enchanting town known for its rich historical heritage, natural beauty and stunning architecture. Nestled in the hills of the Serra de Sintra, this quaint and whimsical town is a fairytale retreat that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Sintra’s palaces and castles are the highlight of the town. The iconic Pena Palace, with its colourful and extravagant architecture, looks like something out of a dream, and the Moorish Castle, which rises majestically from the hills, offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
What to visit in Sintra?
Pena Palace
The Pena National Palace represents one of the finest expressions of 19th century Romanticism in the world. Standing on a steep rock, it is the second highest point in the Sintra Mountains and one of the most incredible palaces in Portugal, a true fairytale palace.
Moors Castle
The ancient Moorish Castle, founded by the Muslims, occupied a fundamental strategic position in the defence of the local territory and maritime access to the city of Lisbon. Located approximately 3.5 km from the historic centre of Sintra, its function was not to defend the town of Sintra, but rather to monitor Lisbon and its surroundings.
Cabo da Roca – Western point of europe
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of the European continent, located at the edge of the Sintra Mountains, and one of the most emblematic places in Portugal. Visitors can even purchase a certificate of attendance at the local tourist office as a record of their visit to the westernmost point of the European continent.
Sintra National Palace
With Arab origins, this palace in the heart of the town was the residence of the Portuguese royal family since the 12th century.
It is a unique example of Portuguese medieval palaces, but it displays various architectural styles (reflecting the tastes of different kings), ranging from Gothic to Mudejar, including Manueline.
